Islamabad High Court issues written verdict on Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi’s solitary confinement

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued its detailed written judgment on petitions challenging the alleged solitary confinement of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued its detailed written judgment on petitions challenging the alleged solitary confinement of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi.

In its 24-page detailed ruling, the court directed the Adiala Jail administration to facilitate meetings between Imran Khan and his wife and family members.

The judgment was issued by Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro. The court also ordered that Imran Khan be allowed to communicate with his family through WhatsApp audio and video calls.

However, the court clarified that the WhatsApp calling facility could be suspended if it is used for political campaigning.

The Islamabad High Court further directed the Adiala Jail administration to allow Imran Khan to take a one-hour daily walk, in accordance with the recommendations of the medical board.

The court observed that security concerns could not be used as a basis to completely deprive Imran Khan of human interaction and communication.

The judgment directed the Adiala Jail authorities to ensure that Imran Khan is provided with newspapers, magazines and books. Books submitted by the petitioners are also to be provided after completing the required security screening.

The court further ordered that Imran Khan be provided access to television in accordance with the recommendations of the medical board and applicable prison rules.

Regarding Bushra Bibi, the court stated that she should not be kept in unlawful solitary confinement. The judgment said that the relevant terms and conditions would apply to her in the same manner.

The court instructed the Superintendent of Adiala Jail to ensure that neither Imran Khan nor Bushra Bibi is kept in solitary confinement.

The jail superintendent has also been directed to submit a compliance report to the Deputy Registrar Judicial within 15 days confirming implementation of the court’s directions.

The petitions challenging the alleged solitary confinement were filed separately. Aleema Khan had approached the court regarding the confinement of Imran Khan while Mubshera Maneka had filed a petition concerning Bushra Bibi.

The Islamabad High Court’s written judgment sets out specific directions concerning family meetings, communication facilities, physical activity, reading material and television access while emphasizing that security requirements must be balanced with prisoners’ rights to human interaction.

The court’s directions will now be subject to implementation by the Adiala Jail administration within the timeframe specified in the judgment.